Are you #WRN up for Hurricane Preparedness Week, #AltusOK?

Yes, it's that time of year.  It's Hurricane Preparedness Week all over America.

Why prepare for hurricanes in Oklahoma?  Remember Tropical Storm Erin?

"The Norman, Oklahoma National Weather Service remarked the intensification "[resulted] in what amounts to an inland tropical storm;"[16] at 0930 UTC the system presented an eye-like feature and a spiral rainband, and produced wind gusts of over 80 mph (130 km/h)." 

That storm produced flooding near here, along with wind damage.

"One person drowned in a cellar in Fort Cobb, and another drowned in Kingfisher.[41] Another storm-related death took place in Seminole.[42] Three others were found dead after a weather-related automobile accident also near Carnegie.[43] Another automobile accident fatality took place in Okmulgee County but it is unclear if the event was storm-related.[44] Damage amounted to over $2 million (2007 USD).[45][46]" 

The American Red Cross offers:

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Check your disaster supplies. Replace or restock as needed.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
• Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
• Turn off propane tank.
• Unplug small appliances.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Create a hurricane evacuation plan with members of your household. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
• Find out about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
• Obey evacuation orders. Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.

Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. It’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov.

What are you doing to prepare for Hurricanes in #AltusOK?